12 Costco deals you should never skip

Costco has a lot of tempting deals, but some of them aren’t actually worth it once you break down the price per unit or look at expiration dates. That said, there are a handful of items where the value really is hard to beat—stuff that’s high quality, cheaper than other stores, and known to hold up. These are the kinds of deals worth coming back for. If you shop at Costco regularly, these are the ones to keep on your radar.

Rotisserie Chicken

Costco’s rotisserie chicken has been $4.99 for years, and it’s consistently bigger and better than the grocery store versions. It’s cooked fresh in-store, well-seasoned, and makes a solid base for several meals.

You won’t find a better deal on fully cooked meat that tastes this decent and gives you this much food. Even if you don’t need it for dinner that night, it’s worth grabbing and shredding for salads, soups, or burritos.

Organic Maple Syrup

Costco’s Kirkland Signature organic maple syrup is the real deal—100% pure, Grade A amber syrup with no fillers or additives. And the price per ounce is way better than what you’ll find at the grocery store.

It comes in a 1-liter jug that lasts a while, especially if you’re only using it on pancakes or in baking. It stores well in the fridge and doesn’t crystallize quickly, so it’s something you can always have on hand without waste.

Gasoline

If you live near a Costco with a gas station, don’t skip it. The price is often 20 to 40 cents cheaper per gallon compared to nearby stations, and it adds up fast if you’re filling up regularly.

You’ll need a membership to use it, and the lines can get long at peak times. But if you can go in the morning or midweek, you’ll get top-tier gas at a lower price than just about anywhere else.

Cheese Blocks

The cheese section at Costco is hard to beat, especially if you’re grabbing the larger Kirkland blocks or imported wedges. You’ll find high-quality cheddar, parmesan, gouda, and more at a fraction of grocery store prices.

It’s great if you cook often, pack lunches, or like to build snack boards. You can even freeze shredded cheese in batches if you’re worried about it going bad before you use it up.

Trash Bags

The Kirkland Signature trash bags are heavy-duty, don’t rip easily, and come in huge boxes that last forever. Most people say they hold up just as well as name brands like Hefty or Glad—but for less money.

If you’re tired of cheap bags that tear when you pull them out of the bin, this is one of those boring purchases that’s worth getting right. Once you buy a box, you won’t be buying more for months.

Batteries

Costco’s Kirkland AA and AAA batteries perform nearly as well as name brands in independent tests, and the bulk price is hard to beat. They’re especially good for things like remotes, flashlights, toys, and clocks.

If you go through batteries fast or have kids with gadgets, it’s worth stocking up. Just store them in a dry place and keep an eye on expiration dates—they usually stay good for several years.

Bacon

Kirkland Signature bacon gets high marks for both taste and price. It’s thick-cut, cooks evenly, and comes in multi-packs that you can freeze if you don’t need it all right away.

You’ll often pay less per pound than grocery store brands, and you’re not giving up quality. A lot of people say it crisps up better and doesn’t shrink down to nothing like some of the cheaper stuff.

Avocados

The bags of avocados at Costco are usually a better deal than what you’ll find at other stores—especially when they’re in season. They tend to ripen evenly, and you can slow them down in the fridge.

If you use avocados regularly, this is one of the better produce buys. They’re great for toast, smoothies, and quick meals, and you can even freeze mashed avocado in portions if they start to ripen all at once.

Baking Essentials

Things like flour, sugar, yeast, and vanilla extract are significantly cheaper in bulk at Costco, and the quality is still high. Kirkland’s vanilla, in particular, is real extract—not imitation—and priced way lower than grocery stores.

If you bake even semi-regularly, stocking up here can save you a ton over time. Just store your dry goods in airtight containers and they’ll last a long time without losing quality.

Nut Butters

Peanut butter and almond butter are a good buy at Costco, especially the Kirkland organic options. They’re made with minimal ingredients and come in large jars that hold up well in the pantry.

You’ll pay less per ounce, and you’re not getting the watered-down versions that some grocery store brands sneak in. Stir it once and keep it in the fridge—easy enough for everyday use.

Olive Oil

Kirkland’s extra virgin olive oil is well-reviewed by cooks and third-party testers alike. It’s cold-pressed, high-quality, and comes in big bottles at a way better price than name-brand oils.

You can use it for cooking, roasting, or making salad dressings without worrying about running out quickly. If you go through olive oil regularly, this is one of the easiest ways to get more for your money.

Frozen Fruit

The frozen fruit at Costco is a solid deal, especially if you make smoothies, bake, or use it in oatmeal. You’ll find large bags of blueberries, mango, pineapple, and more that stay fresh for months.

It’s all pre-washed and ready to go, which saves you time, and you’re getting better quality than the smaller, more expensive grocery store versions. Just seal the bag tightly after each use to prevent freezer burn.

*This article was developed with AI-powered tools and has been carefully reviewed by our editors.